In a groundbreaking showcase of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in collaboration with Take 7 Media, premiered Hidden Riches, a compelling documentary spotlighting the untapped potential of the industry.
The premiere, held over the weekend, highlighted the sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth and diversification under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, hailed the documentary as a transformative initiative. “Hidden Riches is not just a documentary; it’s a call to action for Nigerians and the global community to recognize the limitless possibilities beneath our soil,” she said. “This project aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025.”
Ogbe emphasized the ministry’s commitment to capacity building and investment attraction. “Through partnerships like this, we aim to inspire young Nigerians, engage stakeholders, and attract both local and international investors to this critical sector,” she added, while applauding Take 7 Media’s creativity and the visionary leadership of Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan, Special Adviser to the Minister, commended the documentary as a powerful tool for public education and engagement. “The media is an instrument for conscientizing Nigerians. With programs like Hidden Riches, we can effectively highlight the immense potential of our solid minerals sector,” he said. Bamgbetan outlined reforms such as formalizing artisanal mining cooperatives and deploying mining marshals to curb illegal mining, emphasizing the ministry’s goal of ensuring Nigerians actively participate in and benefit from the sector.
Bem Pever, the series producer, expressed pride in showcasing Nigeria’s mineral wealth and opportunities. “This series is not just entertainment; it’s a platform to inspire viewers to explore opportunities in this sector,” he said. Pever praised African Natural Resources and Mines in Kaduna for supporting production and encouraged Nigerians to watch the series on NTA.
Highlighting industry contributions, Mr. Partha Ghosh, Group Head of Africa Industry Group Ltd., shared his company’s $600 million investment in iron ore mining and processing in Kaduna State, creating over 4,000 jobs. “With continued reforms and infrastructure development, Nigeria’s mining sector can transform the economy and attract even more investments,” he said, emphasizing improved transportation infrastructure to enhance competitiveness.
Mr. Patrick Odiegwu, Managing Director of Polyguard Investment Nigeria Ltd., stressed the importance of infrastructure and local beneficiation. “Mining is the foundation of any nation’s industrial base. To unlock its potential, we must prioritize local participation and ensure mined resources are processed and consumed locally,” he said, calling for greater financing and proactive strategies to address industry challenges.
Reflecting on journalism’s role, Mr. Tunde Aremu highlighted the constitutional mandate of the media to hold stakeholders accountable. “Journalists must interrogate policies, engage stakeholders, and connect citizens with the management of their resources,” he said. Aremu also urged journalists to advocate for sustainable practices, emphasizing the social and environmental impacts of mining.
The premiere of Hidden Riches left attendees inspired and ready to act, sparking a transformative dialogue among policymakers, investors, and the public. As the credits rolled, the documentary ignited a renewed commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s mineral wealth for sustainable development.
